unfavourable or US unfavorable (ʌnˈfeɪvərəbəl, -ˈfeɪvrə-)

Definitions

Derived forms

unfavourableness (unˈfavourableness) or US unfavorableness (unˈfavorableness)

noun

unfavourably (unˈfavourably) or US unfavorably (unˈfavorably)

adverb

unfavourable for learners of EnglishPowered by COBUILD (ʌnfeɪvərəbəl)

Definitions

regional note: in AM, use unfavorable

1. graded adjective & adjective [usu ADJ n]

Unfavourable conditions or circumstances cause problems for you and reduce your chances of success. ⇒ Unfavourable economic conditions were blocking a recovery of the American insurance market. ⇒ We've got a fairly unfavourable exchange rate at the moment. ⇒ Unfavourable weather has had damaging effects on this year's harvest. [+ for] ⇒ The whole international economic situation is very unfavourable for the countries in the south.

2. graded adjective & adjective

If you have an unfavourable reaction to something, you do not like it. ⇒ A more unfavourable response was given today by the Prime Minister. ⇒ President Mubarak was particularly unfavourable to the idea. ⇒ First reactions have been distinctly unfavourable.

If you make an unfavourablecomparison between two things, you say that one thing seemsworse than the other. ⇒ He makes unfavourable comparisons between British and French cooking. ⇒ A younger child will benefit more from an older sister's help than from an unfavourable comparison between their progress.

Example sentences containing 'unfavourable'

Alpiew interjected, `But since the death you have continued to talk about her in an unfavourable way.Fidelis Morgan THE RIVAL QUEENS: A COUNTESS ASHBY DE LA ZOUCHE MYSTERYhe said fiercely to Henry, and, to judge by the tightening of his features, was preparing himself to meet unfavourable criticism.Ferrars, Elizabeth UNREASONABLE DOUBTBurnell took a taxi to his hotel, where the bar was closed and a deal of unfavourable yawning went on at the receptiondesk.Aldiss, Brian SOMEWHERE EAST OF LIFE